CyberXiloShack

The Martial Melody (ESPRESSO)

Added 2025-06-04 01:14:50 +0000 UTC

The process of retreading through his mental steps had become something of a formality for Espio. The innate cynicism in him told him that it was a fruitless prospect, but becoming complacent was the exact thing his captors wanted. It didn’t matter that they were seemingly content using rather ineffective methods that even the most basic forms of meditation could counteract; the second he lowered his guard, it would all be over.

Normally, he would’ve been completely indifferent to any form of capture or intimidation. Years of self-imposed exile to hone his body, mind, and spirit prepared him for the worst… but years in the agency had turned him soft. He didn’t know where Mighty was, but he was probably being held on the same island as he was.

How did he know he was on an island? The sound of crashing waves coming from the window was an obvious answer, not to mention the tropical weather and the garments of the reptilians that surveyed his capture when he wasn’t around.

…What in the world happened to make him change so much?

This is a sequel to the story, "Royal Beats" which is also in the story index!